Sarlat the geographical centre of Périgord-Quercy, is by far the
most important tourist site in the region Over a million visitors discover or re discover this medieval jewel every
year. This town of l0,000 inhabitants today occupies top spot in terms of tourists and culture. Although this is
basically a cultural town, industry is also represented, mainly by food processing firms, many of which produce
foie gras. This foie gras, one of the most highly rated in France has contributed to the great culinary reputation
of the Périgord in general and the town in particular.
Although it has one of the largest medieval urban areas (13th to 16th centuries)
in the world, Sarlat cannot claim a very distant past. The initial Sarlat abbey was most probably founded between
820 and 840 AD by Duke Pepin of Aquitaine. Saint Bernard stopped off in Sarlat in 1147 during his journey through
the South of France to spread the gospel to the many Cathars. The plague was predominant at the time. He gave the
sick consecrated bread to eat and healed them. This event, this miracle even was commemorated by the building of
the strange graveyard lantern which, still today, remains one of the towns symbols.
Lost
in the heart of the distant Périgord, Sarlat could have sunk
into oblivion if it was not for the Malraux Act of 4th August 1962.
Perhaps the minister of culture (Andre Malraux) recalled having
taken to the macquis (The name given to some French Resistance groups
during World War Two) in the heart of the Sarlat woodlands, when
he signed the act of renovation and restoration. The works carried
out from 1964 onward have revealed a veritable treasure trove of
Medieval and Renaissance art to the public. Tourists and film directors
then took charge of bringing this corner of the Earth "which is
the closest things to heaven" according to Henry Miller, to the
attention of the whole world. The 1978 film version of "Les Miserable"
was filmed extensively in Sarlat, but also in nearby Domme, with
the stunning Beynac Castle standing in for the famous Toulon Jail.
Sarlat's wonderful architecture and medieval style buildings and
stone roofs have made a backdrop for a score of other top motion
pictures since, which has added to it's fame an it's fortune.
A
warren of alleyways, virtually unchanged since the middle ages,
lined with warm ochre stone houses, each with its own distinctive
facade and ornately sculptured window embrasures, set off by the
stone roofs and turrets, make Sarlat a must for any tourist visiting
the Dordogne. Sarlat's Saturday market is excellent, teaming with
life, an unforgetable experience from the street artists that throng
there, to the wonderful fresh local produce. Sarlat comes to life
in summer with its Drama Festival and Film Festival as well as non-stop
street shows in the old quarter. Sarlat is an artists paradise with
many small galeries including the famous "Herdin", student of Salvador
Dali. Out of season there is also a well packed programme of cultural
events, concerts, drama, films (often in the original language),
a visit at Christmas is like stepping into a Fairy Tale, with piped
christmas carols and Santas scaling buildings everywhere, there
truly is something for everyone.
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Sarlat the geographical centre of Périgord-Quercy, is by far the
most important tourist site in the region Over a million visitors discover or re discover this medieval jewel every
year. This town of l0,000 inhabitants today occupies top spot in terms of tourists and culture. Although this is
basically a cultural town, industry is also represented, mainly by food processing firms, many of which produce
foie gras. This foie gras, one of the most highly rated in France has contributed to the great culinary reputation
of the Périgord in general and the town in particular.
Lost
in the heart of the distant Périgord, Sarlat could have sunk
into oblivion if it was not for the Malraux Act of 4th August 1962.
Perhaps the minister of culture (Andre Malraux) recalled having
taken to the macquis (The name given to some French Resistance groups
during World War Two) in the heart of the Sarlat woodlands, when
he signed the act of renovation and restoration. The works carried
out from 1964 onward have revealed a veritable treasure trove of
Medieval and Renaissance art to the public. Tourists and film directors
then took charge of bringing this corner of the Earth "which is
the closest things to heaven" according to Henry Miller, to the
attention of the whole world. The 1978 film version of "Les Miserable"
was filmed extensively in Sarlat, but also in nearby Domme, with
the stunning Beynac Castle standing in for the famous Toulon Jail.
Sarlat's wonderful architecture and medieval style buildings and
stone roofs have made a backdrop for a score of other top motion
pictures since, which has added to it's fame an it's fortune.
A
warren of alleyways, virtually unchanged since the middle ages,
lined with warm ochre stone houses, each with its own distinctive
facade and ornately sculptured window embrasures, set off by the
stone roofs and turrets, make Sarlat a must for any tourist visiting
the Dordogne. Sarlat's Saturday market is excellent, teaming with
life, an unforgetable experience from the street artists that throng
there, to the wonderful fresh local produce. Sarlat comes to life
in summer with its Drama Festival and Film Festival as well as non-stop
street shows in the old quarter. Sarlat is an artists paradise with
many small galeries including the famous "Herdin", student of Salvador
Dali. Out of season there is also a well packed programme of cultural
events, concerts, drama, films (often in the original language),
a visit at Christmas is like stepping into a Fairy Tale, with piped
christmas carols and Santas scaling buildings everywhere, there
truly is something for everyone.
